The National Basketball Association (NBA) has seen players from all walks of life, backgrounds, and beliefs. Among those diverse athletes are a handful who follow the faith of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Known for their dedication to spiritual values and a distinct lifestyle, Jehovah’s Witnesses traditionally avoid many of the glitz-and-glamour activities associated with professional sports. This contrast between faith and fame makes for a fascinating examination of former NBA players who chose to follow this path, either during or after their careers.
TLDR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)
While the exact number of ex-NBA players who have become Jehovah’s Witnesses isn’t extremely high, a few well-known former pros have publicly embraced the faith. These athletes often cited personal transformation and spiritual discovery as their reasons. Their journeys highlight the complicated relationship between celebrity life and religious commitment. Notable names like Darren Collison and A.C. Green have brought attention to this intersectionality of basketball and belief.
The Unique Lives of Jehovah’s Witness Athletes
Jehovah’s Witnesses are a Christian denomination known for their evangelism and conservative views. Adherents often abstain from politics, military service, and even certain types of entertainment or holidays that conflict with their beliefs. For athletes in high-profile careers like the NBA, living out this faith can present both challenges and strong opportunities for personal growth.
NBA players often experience lifestyles that involve public appearances, media attention, brand endorsements, and flashy nightlife—all things that can conflict with the beliefs of Jehovah’s Witnesses. As such, seeing former or even active players align themselves with this faith becomes a noteworthy talking point.
Notable Ex-NBA Players Who Are Jehovah’s Witnesses
Although the number is relatively small, there are a few recognized names within the basketball community who either became Jehovah’s Witnesses after their time on the court or maintained their faith throughout their careers.
- Darren Collison
Collison made waves in 2019 when he surprised NBA fans by announcing his retirement at the age of 31, despite being in demand and playing at a high level. While many thought injuries or financial reasons caused his early departure, Collison revealed that he wanted to focus on his faith as a Jehovah’s Witness. This decision was widely respected, although unexpected by sports analysts. - A.C. Green
Though not a Jehovah’s Witness while actively in the NBA, A.C. Green is often mistakenly cited due to his strong Christian values and commitment to celibacy during his career. However, there’s no official confirmation that he is a member of Jehovah’s Witnesses. - Dewayne Dedmon (Speculated)
Some discussions and forums have brought up Dewayne Dedmon’s association with Jehovah’s Witnesses, particularly due to his mother’s affiliations. However, Dedmon himself has not publicly confirmed active membership in the faith.
Beyond individual names, it’s important to understand that Jehovah’s Witnesses commonly maintain a private demeanor regarding their spiritual lives. This makes it difficult to compile an exhaustive list of former NBA players who are part of the faith. Many choose to keep their beliefs private, letting their lifestyles speak louder than media declarations.
The Challenges and Sacrifices
Being an elite athlete in the NBA comes with extraordinary demands—training regimens, travel schedules, public appearances, and constant competition. Pair that with a belief system that emphasizes modesty, avoidance of worldly pursuits, and time-consuming ministry work, and one can quickly see the difficulty some face in balancing both worlds.
For Darren Collison, the choice was deeply rooted in values-over-career. In his heartfelt statement posted via multiple media platforms, he emphasized his joy in serving Jehovah and how it gave him more peace than basketball ever did. “While I still love basketball, I know there’s something more meaningful,” Collison wrote. His decision to leave behind multimillion-dollar contracts and athletic fame proves the weight that faith can hold in someone’s life decisions.
These athletes often walk away not just from fame, but also from immense fortune. This level of commitment and sacrifice echoes the religious principle of prioritizing spiritual wealth over material success.
Why Is It Rare?
The rarity of Jehovah’s Witnesses in the NBA is likely because the lifestyle demanded by professional sports naturally conflicts with the expectations of the religion. Jehovah’s Witnesses are expected to keep free from “worldly” influences. They shun personal glorification, celebrates no holidays, and discourage participation in high-profile entertainment or government affairs.
This doesn’t necessarily mean that more Jehovah’s Witnesses haven’t played in the NBA or other professional leagues; instead, most choose to keep their spiritual lives discreet. Statistics are sparse, and the religion’s focus on humility and anonymity means even less information finds its way into public knowledge.
Perspectives from the Faith
Jehovah’s Witnesses believe in living a lifestyle that aligns with biblical principles. Witnesses are also known for their door-to-door ministry and abstinence from political involvement, military service, and certain medical procedures like blood transfusions. Choosing such a lifestyle in a celebrity-driven career requires not just belief, but extraordinary discipline and perseverance.
Some former athletes have mentioned how their faith keeps them grounded and provides peace outside of the limelight. For those that continue in ministry after pro sports, their platforms often shift from arenas and stadiums to Kingdom Halls and personal testimony.
Conclusion
In a world where fame often clashes with humility, the stories of former NBA players who become Jehovah’s Witnesses are both rare and inspiring. Men like Darren Collison serve as living examples of individuals who have chosen spiritual fulfillment over professional success. Whether you agree with their decisions or not, their choices highlight the significant role faith can play in redirecting even the most high-profile careers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- How many ex-NBA players are Jehovah’s Witnesses?
The number is low, with a few publicly known individuals. Darren Collison is the most prominent example. - Is A.C. Green a Jehovah’s Witness?
No, although he is known for his strong Christian beliefs, he is not confirmed to be a Jehovah’s Witness. - Did Darren Collison retire because of his faith?
Yes, Collison retired from the NBA at age 31 specifically to devote more time to his faith as a Jehovah’s Witness. - Is it hard for Jehovah’s Witnesses to play in the NBA?
Yes, the lifestyle and obligations of the NBA often conflict with the religious practices and values of Jehovah’s Witnesses. - Are there more Jehovah’s Witnesses in other sports?
While some athletes in other sports are reported to be Witnesses, the numbers remain relatively low across all major leagues.